(Chelsea Update would like to thank Shane Rodriguez for the information in this story.)
The Chelsea Girl’s Track and Field Team lost to SEC rival Dexter last week, marking the first defeat in six seasons for the girls’ team.
“The 28 consecutive wins is definitely something to be proud of,” said Head Girl’s Track and Field Coach Shane Rodriguez, adding, “ I take my hat off to Dexter; they ran and competed better than they have all season and squeaked out a win 75-62.”
“If we were to run this meet 10 times, there would be 10 different scores because there were literally only inches and tenths of seconds that separated these two outstanding teams,” he said.
The Bulldogs still has a chance to win the SEC if we defeat Dexter at the SEC championship.
“The girls are focused and will improve, just as they have been all season,” he said.
Many of our girls had great races:
- Laura McGrath in the 100 and 200
- Amanda Simich in the 400
- McKenna Lucas and Sofi Gonzalez in the 800
- Grace Sauers in the hurdles and the throwers of Butler, Engler, and Benjamin were awesome.
- Talia Dyerly and Christine Schultz both posted huge lifetime bests in the pole vault.
- The 4x 800 team had a very strong showing and is on the verge of a breakout performance.
“Thank you to all the parents, volunteers, and workers that have helped make the dual season a huge success,” he said, adding, “We are very lucky as a coaching staff to have this support, and we are lucky to work with such great kids every day.”
The team travels to Bath on Friday and next week we have the regional meet.
And, here’s a recap of other recent meets.
The team had a very good showing at the Stockbrige Invitational, taking home second place.
Williamston won the meet, but the Chelsea squad beat 10 other schools.
“With the weather finally cooperating, the team is really starting to hit its stride as we quickly come closer to the regional and SEC meets,” said Rodriguez, adding, “Everyone has been working very hard and has a great attitude.”
Rodriguez highlighted the performances of sophomore Laura McGrath and junior Sofie Gonzalez from this meet.
McGrath won both the 100 and 200 in dominating fashion.
“She has been very good all year and looks to be peaking at the right time,” he said, adding, “The same can be said for Gonzalez, as she dropped her 4×800 relay split time considerably and had an excellent split in her 4×400 relay.”
The Chelsea Girl’s Track and field team improved its season dual meet record to 4-0 with a win over Tecumseh, and extended its consecutive dual win streak to 28 wins over 6 seasons.
The girls ran very well and competed hard against the SEC foe, Rodriquez said.
Highlighted performances were:
- Shianne Butler‘s win in the discus
- Kandice Williams‘ win in the high jump
- Talia Dyerly vaulted a lifetime best of 9 feet in her win in the pole vault
- Grace Sauers won the long jump.
In the running events, Victoria Collins, Teddi Reynolds, Amanda Simich, Lauren O’Toole, and Karana Wickens all performed very well.
